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Widespread recognition in Chambers High Net Worth 2025 Guide

Posted on by Nikhita Sagar

Chambers and Partners has today published its High Net Worth 2025 Guide in which we have received a range of individual and departmental rankings across multiple practice areas. In total, six of our departments and 17 individuals have been recognised with many of those in the higher bands.  

All of our rankings have either been maintained or improved compared to last year’s guide. Our ranking for the Real Estate: High Value Residential category moved up a band, and several individuals have also achieved new or improved rankings.

These results reflect the continued growth of the firm and our eminent reputation for advising HNW and UHNW individuals, families and their businesses across their increasingly complex and evolving business and personal needs.

The Chambers High Net Worth Guide recognises the leading law firms and advisors serving HNW individuals and families. The guide is based on independent research and client feedback and is trusted globally as a benchmark of excellence in the private wealth sector.

View the full rankings here.

Harbottle & Lewis advises Amdax on its acquisition of a strategic stake in Custodiex

Posted on by Julia Krol

We have advised Amdax, a Netherlands-based digital asset service provider, on its acquisition of a strategic stake in UK-based Custodiex, a specialist in quantum-safe cold storage solutions for digital assets.

Founded to provide cutting-edge custody infrastructure for financial institutions, Custodiex has established itself as a key innovator in the digital asset custody sector. The Manchester-based company’s quantum-safe solutions are designed to be scalable and future-proof, and meet the stringent international ISO 27001 security standard. The transaction enables Amdax to enhance its comprehensive digital asset platform.

Our team was led by partner Tom Macleod and managing associate Rosie Marston, with support from managing associate Katerina Capras and associates Elizabeth Compton and Matthew Shannon. Partner Yvonne Gallagher and associate Elisabeth Davies advised on employment aspects, partner Shireen Peermohamed and associate Samuel Flack advised on IP matters and senior associate Matthew Stephenson advised on property law matters.

On working with Harbottle & Lewis, Martin Cernohorsky, Amdax Head of Legal, commented:

“Working with the Harbottle & Lewis team was a great pleasure. Their broad range of expertise and professionalism proved invaluable in navigating throughout the twists and turns of this deal. From the start we were in good hands. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Harbottle & Lewis.”

Tom Macleod added:

“We are delighted to have supported Amdax on this strategically significant acquisition. The combination of Amdax’s regulated platform with Custodiex’s innovative custody technology creates a compelling proposition for institutional clients across Europe. We look forward to seeing the continued success of this partnership as the digital asset custody market matures.”

Five partners recognised as leading family lawyers by Spear’s

Posted on by Dea Dragashi

Five of our partners have been recommended by Spear’s as leading family lawyers for HNW and UHNW individuals in the 2025 Spear’s family law index which was published today.

Senior partner Catherine Bedford has once again been recognised as Top Flight, Nicholas Westley and Mark Irving are Top Recommended whilst Lidia Cantele and Alex Ward have been given Recommended rankings. The index recognises the leading family lawyers advising on high value divorces, cohabitation disputes, child custody, nuptial agreements and mediation and is compiled using extensive data from advisers themselves, as well as submission forms, nominations, peer reviews, data from third-party sources, references, recommendations and hundreds of interviews.

You can see the index in full here.

Harbottle & Lewis advises PlaySafe ID on pre-seed fundraising

Posted on by Dea Dragashi

We have advised PlaySafe ID, a digital identity platform designed to improve safety and accountability in online gaming, on its $1.12 million pre-seed fundraising led by Early Game Ventures with participation from Hartmann Capital and Overwolf.

Founded by Andrew Wailes, PlaySafe ID is currently in talks with several major gaming platforms and is aiming to announce its first partnerships later this year.

Our team was led by partner Ed Lane with support from associate Matthew Shannon.

On working with Harbottle & Lewis, founder Andrew Wailes commented: “I cannot express how happy I am with the work that Harbottle & Lewis undertook for us. The expertise and guidance in particular from Ed Lane and Matthew Shannon was critical in securing our funding in the right way, to protect both us and our investors. The team have been prompt, and provided assistance whenever we needed it. I would gladly recommend them.”

Ed Lane added: “We are delighted to have supported Andrew and his team on this initial fundraise, and we look forward to seeing PlaySafe ID go from strength to strength as it scales.”

Harbottle & Lewis advises on the sale of performance-io to private equity firm Apiary Capital

Posted on by Dea Dragashi

We have advised the sellers of performance-io, a leading life sciences performance marketing, SEO and GEO agency, on its sale to private equity firm, Apiary Capital.

Founded to deliver cutting-edge performance marketing solutions, performance-io has established itself as a key player in the industry, working with clients to enhance their marketing strategies through data-driven insights and expertise. Headquartered in London, the business now operates globally with teams in the UK, US, India, Japan and South Africa. 

Founder and CEO Matt Lowe and his senior management team will remain with the business, focusing on driving performance-io’s further growth and development.

Our team was led by partner Ed Lane, with support from senior associate Alex Gays, and associates Elizabeth Compton and David Jones. Co-managing partner Tony Littner provided strategic support throughout, with partner David Scott advising on corporate tax matters. Partner Yvonne Gallagher and associate Harry Wade also advised on employment matters.

On working with Harbottle & Lewis, Matt Lowe commented: “I’d not worked with lawyers on a PE backed deal before, and frankly the mood music about the experience wasn’t great. However, the experience with Harbottle and Lewis was. From the first meeting with Tony and Ed, through to working with the broader team through some complex curve balls, we had a superb experience; working in a collaborative manner, learning loads and always with a calming, assured temperament. I can’t recommend H&L enough.”

Ed Lane added: “We are delighted to have supported Matt and his team on this milestone, and we look forward to seeing performance-io’s continued success in its partnership with Apiary Capital.”

Harbottle & Lewis launches dedicated hub for startups

Posted on by Dea Dragashi

We are pleased to introduce The Vault, our startup portal designed specifically for founders and emerging companies.

The Vault offers a range of resources, carefully crafted to support startups. Understanding the financial constraints and resource limitations that many startups encounter, a core element of The Vault is the document hub. This offers a suite of template documents for founders, available for free download.

Commenting on The Vault, Tom Macleod, partner and co-head of the venture capital and emerging companies practice, said: “We are delighted to introduce The Vault. We understand the unique challenges faced by early stage founders; The Vault is designed to provide accessible resources and practical insights that can make a real difference to their journey.”

Register for The Vault

For further information contact us at: [email protected]

Shireen Peermohamed awarded three individual rankings by IP Stars

Posted on by Dea Dragashi

Partner and head of our intellectual property group Shireen Peermohamed has been recognised by IP Stars in three categories in its latest rankings, including its global list of the top 250 women in IP for 2025.

Shireen has been given the following rankings:

  • Top 250 women in IP 2025
  • Trade mark star 2025
  • Transactions star 2025

IP Stars, part of the Managing IP media group, is a specialist guide covering legal practitioners who deal with contentious and non-contentious intellectual property issues. Its rankings assess and rank law firms and practitioners globally in a range of IP practice areas. Its list of top 250 women in IP recognises senior IP practitioners from more than 50 jurisdictions across the world, who consistently go above and beyond for their clients and firms.

This recognition follows the firm’s and Shireen’s recently awarded ‘Recommended’ status by WIPR.

Click here to view the full rankings on the IP Stars website.

Legal Directions podcast: career insights from Sacha Wilson and Lisa Lacuna

Posted on by Alex Molyneux

In the latest episode of the Legal Directions podcast, partner and head of our advertising group Sacha Wilson and senior people manager Lisa Lacuna introduce Harbottle & Lewis and discuss the work we do, what life is like at the firm and what aspiring trainees can do to maximise their chances of success when applying for training contracts.

Sacha gives an overview of his career, explaining his journey to partnership before providing an insight into advising clients in a few of our key sectors, including advertising and the wider media and entertainment industry. He outlines the type of work he and his team does, from contract negotiations for brands and advertising agencies to data protection compliance and regulatory projects, and both the challenges and opportunities brought by emerging technologies such as NFTs and the legal issues when working with AI or in areas like influencer marketing.

Lisa discusses the application process for training contracts, providing guidance for those looking to apply and sharing key tips to consider when invited to interview.

To find out more about applying for a training contract or what it’s like to work at Harbottle & Lewis, visit our Grad Hub.

The Legal Directions podcast is hosted by the University of Liverpool Law School and is aimed at students, paralegals and other aspiring legal professionals keen to gain insight, advice and inspiration from those working in the legal industry. You can listen to this episode here.

Harbottle & Lewis announces record financial results for FY25

Posted on by Alex Molyneux

Harbottle & Lewis has announced its financial results for the 2024/25 financial year.

For the period from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025, the firm reported income of £53.8m. This represents the highest income figure reported in its 70 year history.

These results demonstrate the firm’s sustained growth, with a 13.3% increase in income over the last two years and a 91.8% increase over the last eight years.

This is the firm’s first twelve month financial year since it altered its year end to align with the tax year following HMRC’s basis period reform.

Co-managing partner Charlie Leveque said:

“We are very pleased with how the firm has performed over the last financial year, reflected in these strong results which underscore the strength of the relationships we have built with our clients and the trust they continue to have in us. Over the last year we have continued to make great strides in implementing our strategy, for example by refining and sharpening our focus on key sectors, strengthening our international presence and developing our connections overseas, and investing in new ways to improve efficiencies through technology and innovation. This reinforces our conviction that the firm is in a strong position to build on these successes and that our focused, strategic approach will continue to bear fruit.

FINALIST FOR FAMILY LAW FIRM AT 2025 EPRIVATECLIENT EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Posted on by Nikhita Sagar

We have been named as a finalist in the category of Family Law Firm (Full Service) at the 2025 eprivateclient Excellence Awards. 

These awards celebrate outstanding achievement across the UK and offshore legal, tax, fiduciary and advisory professions over the past 12 months and recognise firms that go above and beyond for their clients. Being named a finalist is a testament to our market-challenging and dynamic family law team and the level of service we provide to our clients. 

The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Thursday 12 June at the Nobu Hotel in London.  

Find out more about the awards and the other finalists here.